Horse races are a thrilling spectacle that have long captured our imaginations and hearts. But behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred racing is a world of drug abuse, injuries, and gruesome breakdowns. In fact, more horses die from the for-profit sport of horse racing than ever before. Those horses—like Eight Belles, Medina Spirit, Keepthename, Creative Plan and Laoban—are the victims of an industry that has long prioritized profits over welfare.
The modern sport of horse racing traces its roots back to the medieval sport of chariot racing, in which professional riders would race horses for wealthy nobles and aristocrats as a way to demonstrate the animals’ top speed. These early races were typically short, often over distances of a quarter, half, or one mile and would take place on open fields or roads. Riders were typically young boys who rode on bareback and were known as jockeys.
Unlike the chariots of ancient Greece, which were pulled by teams of four, modern racehorses are ridden by two jockeys, who must be skilled at communicating with each other in order to guide their mounts through a complex series of turns and maneuvers at high speeds. These jockeys must also be able to manage the horse’s energy, balance, and direction through a series of specialized exercises, including cantering and galloping.
The intense stress and strain of the sport can be particularly difficult for a horse, especially when it’s unable to recover between races. Horses may sustain broken bones, dislocated joints, and other serious injuries, and in severe cases, they can even suffer from catastrophic heart failure or a ruptured air sac in the lung.
When a racehorse stops winning or becomes too injured to continue competing, many end up in slaughterhouses where they are killed and turned into glue, dog food, or a variety of other products. This is largely due to the fact that few owners will pay for a horse who doesn’t bring in money.
Although the modern racing industry has made some significant improvements in safety, horse welfare remains a critical issue. The sport still has a long way to go in ensuring that the best interests of its animals are considered and that it is prepared for a future in which society, culture and the legal system recognize that animals are entitled to fundamental rights, not least of all the right to survival.
As an animal advocate, I am compelled to speak up for these magnificent creatures who are subjected to the exorbitant physical stresses and risks of this cruel sport. In an era where technology has ushered in advances such as thermal imaging cameras, MRI scanners, and 3D printing, it’s time for horse racing to embrace these advancements and commit to a future where the needs of the horses come first.
To learn more about horse racing, you can read our comprehensive resource on the topic. It includes information on the history of the sport, industry cruelty and issues, and what you can do to help make a difference for horses.